Gratitude

Both Han Meixiu and Liu Zijian didn't notice that they were already alone in the room.

The other three went out discreetly.

Liu Zijian wanted to ask a question but he's afraid to hear her answer. He was now contented holding her in his arms as she quietly calmed down.

"Jian, tell me. What should I do?"

"Whatever you want, I'll support you." He simply answered immediately.

"If I don't want to pursue it, would you accept?"

"If that's what you want, then let's do it." He responded and quickly checked her complexion. Seeing her eyes were now somewhat swollen, he stood up.

"I'll get the eye gel mask."

Han Meixiu who was still a bit absentminded just followed her husband's action as he took out something on that small fridge inside the room.

After feeling the coldness of the eye mask, she felt relaxed.

Little by little she was able to identify the emotions she felt and the reasons behind.

Sure, she was pained. She was used without her knowledge and she felt that she was treated like a thing that could be left behind and taken back in convenience.

It was heart breaking to just imagine that she was planned to be taken away without her consent.

But she also felt relieve that it didn't push through. It was thank to her father in law. As always, she received a protection even though she didn't ask for it.

Above all, despite what happened, she was actually happy and thankful. She was 'allowed' to stay with Liu Zijian.

Did her mother finally acknowledge their marriage?

"Jian... I'm thinking. My mother doesn't want to just test me."

"There's more to it than just testing you?"

"Yeah." She nodded adjusting the eye gel mask as she leaned backwards.

"Like what?"

"We both know she cooperated with Chen Dewei but I think she was planning of disposing him, too. If my mother really treasures me. That's what she would likely do."

Liu Zijian realized that even though there was no big news about that mansion, Chen Family was also quiet. It was as if they were suffering in silence.

"But not just that."

"There's more?"

"Yeah. I think, she also wanted to..torment you."

"Me?" Liu Zijian never thought about this angle. But the theory was seemingly possible.

"I don't really think she meant to hurt me. You see, when I woke up, my shoes were changed to a comfortable one. I also noticed that even though I was wearing a dress it was easy to move. I think my mother must have amended the dress."

Han Meixiu didn't notice it during that time but looking back, there were so many little things that in the first glance seemed to be insignificant.

Except from her exhaustion and light bruises, she wasn't really in grave danger. Her shoulder was just the result of her miscalculated action.

"I see." Liu Zijian gently answered.

"She probably want you to suffer. Although my memories about her weren't really that much, I know she wouldn't back down easily if she really wanted to do something. Since she let us stay together, she apparently wanted to see something to at least ease her grievances."

"And that is seeing me in an agonizing state."

"Yeah. Are you mad?"

"No. Those small sufferings were nothing. I'll welcome whatever form of hardship she would give as long as she wouldn't take you away."

Han Meixiu removed the mask and looked at the man.

The way he expressed his thought sounded firm and energetic?

"Small sufferings?"

"En." He answered while giving her a slight smile.

Han Meixiu normally wanted to retaliate and say 'Right, small sufferings when you ignored everyone and even got into a fight with your father. Really, that is small.'

"Are you perhaps a masochist?" She curiously asked.

Liu Zijian was taken a back.

'Where did that idea come from?'

"Never mind." Han Meixiu dismissively said.

Remembering that older Liu couple might have been still outside waiting for them she suddenly stood up.

"We need to go out. They must have been waiting outside."

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah. I also want to confirm something."

Before Liu Zijian could ask what was it, Han Meixiu already dragged him out of the room.

When they went out, Madam Liu was sitting beside Mr. Liu leaning on his shoulder and they were sitting on the L-shaped taupe sofa that was facing the wall designed with black extruded tiles where a projection screen would normally descend from a recessed slot in the ceiling.

Liu Zilong was standing near the entrance of the veranda and was lost in thoughts. He turned around when he heard the opening of the door.

Upon seeing the younger couple, a slight smile appeared on his lips. He didn't expect that their mood would be already this good.

They must have did something or realized some important points.

Mr. Liu was ready to apologize but to his surprise Han Meixiu bowed in greeting to him.

"Thank you, Dad."

The words were simple and most people would even take it for granted but for Mr. Liu, they gave him an indescribable feeling.

Although he did those things for his son, he didn't expect the young woman to not just blame him, but express her heartfelt gratitude.

He heard a lot of people saying those words to him but this time was the first for him to feel deeply moved.

Mr. Liu stood up slightly smiling. "You don't have to..."

He didn't even finish his words when the young woman hugged him.

Multiple reactions could be recorded in the living room.

Liu Zilong who immediately looked at his brother.

Liu Zijian who was shocked and a bit displeased.

Madam Liu who was smiling and a bit teary-eyed.

Mr. Liu sho was initially surprised but eventually responded as he gently returned the action.

He probably understood why his wife had an obsession of having a daughter. Compared to sons, they're more affectionate.

"Meixiu dear, Mommy Yi, too."

Han Meixiu chuckled and embraced the older woman.

"You said you want to confirm something." Liu Zijian reminded his wife and subtly pulled her towards himself.

"Dad, when you pick us up, where were we exactly?"

"Near the main gate, why?"

"We were moved. Based from my strength I couldn't have walk that far." She said smiling like a spring flower. It was coming from within.

If there would be a chance to meet her mother in the future, she might as well express her thanks and sentiments at the same time.

In K Country, the assistant of the leader just came in to report.

"There's still no response from the person who was requesting to infiltrate Zhang Yu's residence."

"Send a follow up. Pressure him with time."

After giving her order and the assistant still didn't leave she looked at him questioningly.

"Leader, the prisoner..."

"What about him?"

"He might go crazy if we would continue..."

"He won't. Besides, I promise him I'll help him. That's what I'm doing." She answered in an unconcerned manner.

The assistant didn't dare to respond anymore. When that man agreed to receive help from their leader, he should have been more specific.

When the assistant left, Zhang Huiling took out a remote. She wanted to see how he's doing.

"Aren't I being generous? I'm instilling in your mind what's the real face of reality, Chen Dewei."

She said while smiling playfully.